Mentor Day 3

Today I did and learned quite a few things while volunteering. Right when I got there I had to sweep the kitchen and clean dishes. I dried the dishes and put them back in the cabinet and drawers that they belonged. After I was done with that, I made a bed for a new resident that would be coming. Then I went outside to sit and socialize with one of the residents who were just sitting out there by themselves. Once I was finished talking, I went back inside to help transfer a patient from a wheelchair to a bed with ease and care. Then I observed and learned about how to do a dressing change on a wound. First you have to clean the wound with a cleanser, then apply whatever the doctor orders. In this case it was an antibacterial wound gel that creates a skin barrier for the raw skin. Once you apply everything you cover the wound with a foam dressing, which is basically like a foam padding, then use a specific tape to tape it on so it stays. The dressing  provides cushioning while also protecting the wound and absorbing any drainage that may occur. After observing the dressing change, I learned how to make a hospital bed. First we put down a regular bed sheet, then we had to put an alternating pressure air mattress. This mattress relieves pressure on the body for patients that can't move very well while helping prevent bed sores. Once the mattress was on we covered it with a sheet, then a draw sheet. A draw sheet is a cloth sheet that is put under the patient so that it's easier to re-position the patient. To re-position the patient you must un-tuck the sheet and roll it up to them as close as you can - this makes it easier to move them to the top/bottom of the bed. For the remaining hours, I went back outside and conversed with the other resident and kept him company.

Time: 9AM-3PM
Total: 18 hrs & 15 mins